Ask Doc The world is catching on...
In 2011, I first warned readers of the dangers of triclosan – a chemical commonly found in antibacterial soaps. Studies showed that not only was triclosan useless, it causes developmental and reproduction problems. Triclosan also reduces muscular strength and cardiac function of heart tissue... increasing the risk of heart failure.
Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally ordered manufacturers to stop including triclosan in over-the-counter "wash products," namely hand soap.
However, triclosan appears in more than hand soap. It's in shampoos, toothpaste, and cosmetics, too. All those products are still outside of the ban.
But earlier this week, "The Florence Statement on Triclosan and Triclocarban" appeared in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The statement includes the dangers of using triclosan and urges manufacturers and government officials to ban the use of triclosan in all products.
So far, more than 200 scientists and medical professionals from around the world have already signed it to show their support.
For years, I've warned readers about health risks when no one else was talking about them. Recently, I released a report on the dangers of cellphone use where I explain why you should be worried and how to protect yourself.
Current Retirement Millionaire subscribers can read this critical report, "How to Protect Yourself From Your Cellphone and Other Devices: The EMF Radiation Protocol" here.
And if you're not a Retirement Millionaire subscriber, you can learn more about cellphone radiation by clicking here for a video presentation I put together to get the word out about this significant danger. (If you'd prefer to read a transcript, you can do so by clicking here.)
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Q: I have used and recommended a Neti pot for years. One word of caution. In 2016 there were two documented cases of Naegleria fowleri traced to Neti pot usage with municipal water. It would be prudent when preparing the saline solution to boil the water to prevent the introduction of virulent organisms into the sinus. – T.B.
A: Over the years, there have been cases of people dying when brain-eating amoebas (bacteria-like bugs that live in fresh water) entered the victims' brains when they used a Neti pot for their sinuses.
Some people think that because tap water is safe to drink, it's safe to use in a Neti pot. Not true.
Using tap water to clear your nasal passages gives bacteria a direct path to your brain. That's why manufacturers warn that you should only use sterilized or distilled water in a Neti pot. You can purchase sterilized or distilled water at the grocery store for next to nothing. Or you can boil water to sterilize it at home (just make sure it's cooled down to lukewarm when you put it in your Neti pot).
Q: What's your take on the book Grain Brain? – R.F.
A: I've read Grain Brain and have recommended it to folks.
Here's the thing to remember... cutting out certain foods will always be pitched as the latest "feel great" fad out there. Cut out grains... cut out dairy... cut out red meat... I don't know about you, but I'm not about to give up on ever having pancetta ravioli again.
That being said, there is evidence some folks may have an intolerance or allergy to certain foods. If you have symptoms like gas, nausea, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, or headaches after eating certain foods, try going a few weeks without. That's where books like Grain Brain help – they often include ways to cut out a certain food easily, with recipes and suggested replacements.
I do agree that cutting back on grains, particularly highly-processed ones, will benefit anyone. Especially white flour – it overtaxes our systems and leads to inflammation.
Just don't forget my rule of moderation... If you cut out most grains, you'll still need to get things like fiber and carbohydrates from other sources. That applies to any food you remove from your diet. If you cut out dairy, you'll have to get more calcium from other sources like spinach and fish.
So if cutting out grains sounds like it might help, try it for two weeks. We'd love to hear your results. And don't forget, we also recommend tracking your meals (when and what you eat) and symptoms to see if there's a connection. Apps like mySymptoms or even a simple pen and paper will help.
Q: Do not forget that people 62 and older can get a lifetime national park pass for about $10 and that takes care of whoever is in same car. – S.S.
A: Thanks for the great savings tip! The "America the Beautiful Senior Pass" allows seniors and other folks in your vehicle to enter our national parks, forests, monuments, and other areas for free. All told, it's more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five federal agencies. If you want to learn about the National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass, click here.
Note, the pass is $10, but ordering online adds an additional fee. Many parks sell senior passes as well. You can find which park near you sells them in-person by following the link above or going directly to the PDF list here.
Have a savings tip you want to share? Send it to us at [email protected].
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What We're Reading...
- The push for tougher limits on triclosan in soaps and cosmetics.
- Did you miss it? The key to weight loss isn't in a pill.
- Something different: The best places to see the solar eclipse in August.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Retirement Millionaire Daily Research Team
June 23, 2017